Mr Gray explains more about the ethos of Mearns Academy and why he is keen to create a place where “golf is, as it should be, for everyone”.
How has Mearns Academy changed compared to the years prior to 2013?
Major investment was made with the key development being the early adoption of Toptracer technology within the driving range. There was also major investment to improve the 9-hole golf course and coaching facilities.
This has really allowed golf at Mearns Castle to flourish with driving range use up 300%, membership for the golf club at an all-time high, and the Kids @ The Castle coaching programme now offering tuition to over 300 children every week.
The academy also has five full-time PGA professionals who offer one-to-one tuition to beginners, established golfers and fellow professional golfers. But it is the growth of kids’ golf that is really encouraging as this will inevitably lead to more long-term stability in golf for generations to come.
How many people are passing through the doors?
We estimate we have around 2,000 daily users of the facilities who come for a mixture of golf and non-golf activities. Everyone is welcomed with a friendly smile, and the atmosphere and culture is very much far removed from the perceived traditions of golf. There is even music played within the bays and TVs showing all the latest sporting events.
What’s available for people who don’t golf?
We have brought in key local businesses such as a hair salon, nail bar, cafe, gym and counselling services. The aim is to bring more non-golfers into the academy to create a real community hub in East Renfrewshire.
The final piece of the jigsaw was added in November last year, when Affordable Golf moved in to really compliment the service provision of the academy. They offer a full range of apparel and golf equipment within the store, as well as club fitting, repairs and services.
Russell Gray How many people do you employ?
The academy’s golf operation currently has 25 members of staff which includes nine PGA professionals looking after their coaching programmes and running the golf club. When you include the other businesses operating within the building, there are over 70 local people working here.
What developments are on the horizon?
Over the next five years the academy has ambitions plans to cement itself as one of the UK’s top golf and leisure facilities. Continued investment on the driving range will include additional bays, along with more teeing options and drainage on the golf course. Work on that will start early next year.
There are also plans to add an extension to the main building to allow for additional food and beverage offerings and create Glasgow’s first Padel tennis centre.
At ground level we have just launched the most comprehensive Get Into Golf programme giving beginners a full 18 months of tuition, practice and play under the guidance of the coaching team.
How did you get involved in the game?
I have been playing golf for over 30 years and first learned to play on my parents’ farm by simply hitting golf balls up and down a field with my brothers. My first golf course “design” was digging out some bunkers and cutting out a green in the back garden, much to my dad’s delight!
I joined a local club at a young age but the enjoyment of golf disappeared due to bad experiences of the traditional barriers that existed back then such as snobbery and a lack of open and friendly facilities.
When the golf academy opened that all changed, and I have tried to create a facility that breaks down all barriers to ensure golf is for everyone. I want everyone to feel welcomed and enjoy golf for what it is – the best sport in the world.